Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Virginia

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Marion Elks Lodge No. 32 ScholarshipThe Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks is a fraternal service organization with more than 600 members in Marion. The Marion Lodge, the second in Ohio, was instituted in 1885 and recognizes former U.S. President Warren G. Harding as a member.

The Elks Scholarship at Marion Community Foundation was established in 2004 and grows annually with regular contributions from Lodge members. It makes awards to students from Marion and contiguous counties who are in the upper 40th percentile of their graduating class and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better. Recipients are determined based on an essay which demonstrates their understanding of the ideals and mission of the Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks and a commitment to the social values embodied by members of the Elks.

The Community Foundation of Grant County offers over 120 scholarship opportunities for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. With more than $1 million awarded annually, the foundation supports students of all backgrounds and academic abilities. Scholarships are competitive and aimed at covering qualified educational expenses, including tuition and fees. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate on proposals, enhancing community impact through education and development.

Philip & Leta Shriver Scholarship

Philip Shriver grew up in rural South Whitley and graduated from South Whitley High School. Leta Bernice Keel graduated from South Whitley High School in 1940. The two married on April 4, 1943. They made their home on a farm in rural South Whitley.

Leta was employed by Virgil Heinselman’s Locker and G & G Grocery. She was a member of the South Whitley United Methodist Church until she died on June 26, 2005.

A career-long farmer, Phil had a large chicken and egg operation for years, maintaining over 5000 chickens. An advocate for the industry, he was instrumental in stopping an egg carton tax proposed by the State of Ohio. He also worked construction for Morris Darley of South Whitley for many years. Phil was an accomplished welder and metal fabricator, making several crosses that adorn the steeples of area churches.

This scholarship was created as a gift from the estate of Philip Shriver after his death in 2021. It is open to any Whitley County graduating senior who plans to further their education in the field of agriculture or church-related work.

The Lowell Teachers Scholarships, offered by Harvard University, allow middle and high school teachers to enroll in one Extension School course per term at half the tuition cost. This initiative promotes professional development by making Harvard's rigorous academic programs accessible to educators. Limited scholarships are available, encouraging early application. Note that these scholarships cannot be used for summer courses or combined with other financial aid, ensuring focused support for teachers dedicated to enhancing their skills.

Whitley County 4-H Helping Hands Scholarship

This scholarship will go to a Whitley County senior involved with 4-H. Please contact the 4-H Extension Office for more information. The recipient will be selected during the Whitley County 4-H fair.

Orizon Real Estate Ducks Unlimited Scholarship

This scholarship goes to a Whitley County senior pursuing and education in conservation or the environment.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Geraldine Labecki Fund

Created in 2016, from the bequest of Geraldine Labecki, former Dean of Clemson University's School of Nursing from 1965 to 1980, Clemson University's first woman collegiate dean. This scholarship fund is dedicated to graduate nurses exhibiting exceptional leadership skills.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Laura D. Smith National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) Scholarship

The NSNA Scholarship honors Laura D. Smith. Ms Smith was initially a clinical nurse and after earning her master’s degree joined the staff of the American Journal of Nursing ultimately becoming Senior Editor in 1959. Her particular interest was in championing the accomplishments of student nurses by means of the “Student Page” in the AJN. She was instrumental in the birth and early development of the NSNA. The award is given to an applicant enrolled in a master's in nursing education, a PhD or EdD nursing program, who was an NSNA member in their pre-licensure nursing program and has proven excellence in nursing scholarship and service.

Jack Sherman Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a two- or four- year degree or advanced education and/or training in the skilled trades and show evidence of involvement in co or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism related to the applicant’s field of interest. Transcripts and scores are requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. .

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research grants at institutions with limited NIH funding, enhancing undergraduate biomedical research experiences. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over the past seven years. This funding opportunity encourages institutions to foster research environments that benefit undergraduate students while addressing significant NIH research interests through minimal risk clinical trials.

The Tom Roberts Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports high school seniors actively participating in baseball or softball with two annual scholarships. Honoring Tom Roberts' 40-year commitment to youth sports, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 and plan to pursue post-secondary education or training. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships were awarded to deserving students, highlighting the foundation's dedication to fostering educational opportunities.

The AJO Forever Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports well-rounded high school students who engage in various activities, including community service and part-time work. Applicants must plan to pursue a nursing degree and submit an essay detailing their motivations, along with a letter of recommendation. In 2023, the foundation allocated over $800,000 in scholarships to help more than 500 deserving students achieve their educational goals.

The Monsignor Leo Adamiak Trust Grant provides financial assistance to Ukrainian Catholic parishes in the U.S. and Ukraine, aiming to support their educational and operational needs. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community service with a history of at least three years. The trust favors projects with measurable impacts and sustainable outcomes, while not supporting general operating costs or for-profit entities. Interested parishes should contact for application materials, as online applications are not accepted.

The Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) invites applications for the Emerging Investigator Research Grants (EIRG) program, aimed at supporting medical students and pediatric residents with a 12-week mentored research experience in pediatric dermatology. Awardees receive funding of up to $4,000 for in-person projects and $1,500 for remote projects, plus $1,000 for travel to the PeDRA Annual Conference. This initiative promotes diversity and supports projects addressing crucial patient-centered research questions.

The Kris Campbell “Any Dream Will Do” Scholarship Fund offers a one-time $500 award to a Prairie Heights High School senior. Eligible students should have participated in the school drama club for at least two years or excelled in English, pursuing a related major in college. The scholarship supports students aiming for a Bachelor’s degree at any accredited institution, awarded upon proof of enrollment.

John I. Smith Charities Scholarship

Established in 1989 by John I. Smith Charities to provide educational incentives and financial assistance to individuals residing in government-subsidized housing with the goal of helping students achieve self-sufficiency and become contributing citizens of the community through educational attainment.

Funding Amount

• $800.00 per semester for up to 4 years.
• At least one scholarship will be awarded annually.
• Award amount and number of awards are determined annually based on the Community Foundation of Greenville’s Spending Policy for Endowment Funds.
• Scholarship funds will be paid per semester to the approved educational institution in the name of the student and applied only to the costs of tuition, room, and board, or required fees.

Greenville County Fire Chiefs’ Association Scholarship

In 1995, the Greenville County Fire Chiefs’ Association established a scholarship fund to promote higher education for firefighters and their spouses or children.

Funding

• A minimum of $5,000 will be awarded annually and the number and amount of each award will be determined annually.
• Scholarship funds are paid to an approved educational institution in the name of the student.
• Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year and are not subject to automatic renewal. 

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s John C. Keggan Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club John C. Keggan Scholarship was created in 2024. It honors the late John Keggan (1931-2023), philanthropist and businessman. John was the long-time owner and operator of the Marion Flower Shop and a realtor in Marion for 20 years. He was a Palace Guard, one of a group of local men who helped to save and restore the Marion Palace Theatre. He was an Air Force veteran and an avid Ohio State fan and alum.

His scholarship provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors. Recipients will have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher based on a 4.0 scale.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who attend The Ohio State University regional campus in Marion, Ohio.

The AAOMR Annual Meeting Poster Awards support graduate students in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology by recognizing outstanding research and clinical posters. Two awards are available annually: one for research and another for clinical topics. Applicants must present their posters to judges, with winners chosen by majority vote. Each awardee receives a $1000 prize and a certificate, announced during the AAOMR Annual Session, encouraging excellence and innovation in the field.

Tampa Jazz Club

The Tampa Jazz Club was incorporated as a non- profit organization in 1995, with the objective of “generating interest in preserving, understanding and performing jazz.”

Tampa Jazz Club Scholarship

The Tampa Jazz Club is committed to encouraging talented young jazz students and to presenting great live jazz in Tampa.

Since 2003, we have awarded Tampa Jazz Club scholarships to graduating area high school seniors who went on to study jazz performance or education. To date, we have awarded $24,750 to 22 graduates.

The Thoracic Surgery Foundation

The Thoracic Surgery Foundation is the premier philanthropic organization in cardiothoracic surgery, with nearly four decades of dedicated investment in the work of cardiothoracic surgeons and professionals. TSF is committed to improving patient care through support for research, education, innovation, and humanitarian outreach, aiming to advance heart and lung health for all.

As the charitable heart of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, TSF collaborates globally to drive progress in cardiothoracic surgery. Through the efforts of TSF and its worldwide partners, patients with heart and lung disease experience improved longevity and a high quality of life.

STS Perioperative & Critical Care Conference Resident Scholarship

Purpose

This Resident Scholarship allows CT surgery residents to attend the STS Perioperative & Critical Care Conference. The scholarship covers course registration fees, two nights' lodging at the host hotel, and and expense reimbursement of eligible travel expenses.

Course Description

Attendees of the 2026 STS Perioperative & Critical Care Conference will explore the latest techniques and management strategies in cardiovascular and thoracic (CVT) critical care and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). This two-day event features dynamic and interactive presentations, hands-on demonstrations, scientific abstracts, and expert panel discussions designed for all members of the CVT perioperative and critical care team. Learn more here.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s Robert E. Kibbey Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years.

The Marion Rotary Club Robert E. Kibbey Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Bob Kibbey and provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors. Recipients will have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher based on a 4.0 scale.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who intend to pursue an education and career in or related to business, management, or the hospitality or food industry.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s Warren G. Harding Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club Warren G. Harding Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Warren Gamaliel Harding, the 29th President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1921, until his death in 1923.

Rotary’s Harding scholarship is given to students who attend Harding High School and/or who intend to pursue an education and career in, or related to, journalism, business, history, government, or political science.

The John G. Blakesley Mathematical Excellence Scholarship is awarded annually to an exceptional eighth-grade student in Elkhart County. This four-year scholarship, totaling $5,000, supports higher education expenses and is funded by local businessman John Blakesley, who aims to empower future generations. Candidates are nominated by their schools and must demonstrate outstanding character, leadership, and a commitment to learning, reflecting the values cherished by Mr. Blakesley.

The Youth in Foster Care Scholarship Fund offers financial support to young adults from the New Mexico foster care system who seek to develop skills or pursue higher education. Aimed at those aging out of foster care, the fund provides opportunities for both full-time and part-time students at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, recent graduates, and GED holders, all with a commitment to enhancing their education and future career prospects.

The Paul & Barbara Bond College Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie City’s Public schools. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in any field. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 deserving students, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Schulze College Scholarships provide U.S. citizens with financial support for four years of full-time college enrollment at accredited institutions. Annually, up to 46 scholarships worth $20,000 each are awarded to students demonstrating strong academic performance and community involvement. The program, initiated by the Schulze Family Foundation in 2014, aims to reduce student debt and enhance the college experience by allowing recipients to focus on their studies and personal growth.